Recovery from foot surgery

As podiatrist we have clear that not all foot surgeries are the same, we know that the type of surgery you have will significantly determine your recovery time. At New York Foot Experts, we have some advices and tricks to make getting back on your feet faster and less painful than you think.

Dr. Drapacz, is a certified podiatrist and surgeon at New York Foot Expert, he performs many procedures each month that involve some down time to promote healing. There is a known acronym used by podiatrist when suggesting aftercare to patients: “RICE”, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Whether the surgery is for bunions, plantar fasciitis, hammer or claw toes, flat feet or toenail conditions, this acronym “Rice” promotes healing, reduces pain and swelling around the surgical site. Let’s learn more about each of them:

REST: This can sound easy but those who have foot surgery rapidly understand that limited mobility is anything but a breeze. You have to be cleared that the most important part of recovering from surgery is REST. You need to make sure you can get adequate rest after your surgery. Listen to your body and take it easy; if you push too hard or too fast it can result in injury.

ICE: If you use ice, this will help you alleviate pain and reduce swelling. If you are using ice or ice packs from your freezer, applying ice for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off is recommended. Just place a tiny piece of cloth between the ice pack and your skin to protect it from frostbite.

COMPRESSION: This depends on the type of surgery you have, compression can considerably reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. This situation occurs when a blood clot develops in one of the deep veins, usually in the legs. If you wear a compression stocking this will reduce your risk of blood clots. You can also use other types of compression treatments, like toe or ankle wraps to control movement and swelling.

ELEVATION

Swelling after surgery can considerably contribute to post-operative pain, particularly with foot and/or ankle surgery. If you elevate your foot, do it always above your hip level, this means swelling can be greatly reduced, therefore significantly reducing pain. Dr. Drapacz advises that the goal is to bring blood flow away from the extremity; this reduces pressure and alleviates pain.

Do not worry about swelling; it is pretty common for foot surgeries to be accompanied by swelling for several months after surgery. Use the “RICE” technique and the specific recommendations given to you by your podiatric surgeon.

Ankle sprains are an incredibly common injury. A little precaution and preventive exercise, however, can help you avoid this annoying and sometimes debilitating injury. Consider these five tips to promote optimal ankle health.

Do your feet need TLC before you expose your toes this summer? There’s still time to clear up those painful and unsightly corns. You’ll be digging your toes into the sand in no time with a little help from your New York Foot Experts.

Buying a new pair of shoes can feel like a celebration. While you want to look good, you’re setting yourself up for chronic foot problems or other medical conditions if you fail to consider more than just color and style.

Toenail fungus is a common problem that affects many adults. Nail polish may mask it, but it won’t make it disappear — for that you need proper medical treatment. It can take months to banish toenail fungus, so the sooner you start treating it, the better.